Rhetoric on Trial – History of Rhetoric in Writing

Michella MaldonadoIn Gorgias, Plato talked about the various issues addressed in rhetoric. Including its association with power, its relationship with the truth, and whether or not it requires knowledge of a subject. The criticism of the Sophists in Gorgias influenced the way people viewed them and rhetoric. Plato talked about the beneficial use of rhetoric. This chapter looks closely his thoughts and views on rhetoric. Plato was not in favor of democracy due to his concerns about the unpredictable nature of the demos. He was deeply skeptical of the art of rhetoric due to its ability to control audiences. Plato believed those who made their living from persuasive speaking were unlikely to use rhetoric to bring about order in the city. However, he thought a person with proper knowledge of order and justice in the polis could use it.In Gorgias, Plato states that rhetoric is a sham art, and he also claims that many authentic arts, such as cooking good food, makes one feel better. Accordin...